U.S. DOJ Charges Contractor Worker for Allegedly Leaking Classified Military Reports to Washington Post Reporter

The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday announced criminal charges against Aurelio Perez-Lugones, 61, accusing him of unlawfully sharing classified military information with a Washington Post reporter. According to prosecutors, Perez-Lugones allegedly removed classified reports from his workplace at a government contractor and transmitted them to the journalist, who later cited the information in published articles.

A grand jury approved an indictment charging Perez-Lugones with unlawfully transmitting and retaining classified information. Justice Department officials said he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Lawyers for Perez-Lugones did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The investigation has sparked significant attention after FBI agents raided the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson last week. Press freedom organisations criticised the move as highly unusual and potentially damaging to journalistic independence. A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily barred prosecutors from reviewing materials seized during the raid, while the Post stated Natanson was informed she is not a target of the investigation.

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